Temple and Tombs of Kings of Ly dynasty (Do temple)

05/03/2021 09:01

Located 15km far from the capital Hanoi, Temple and Toms of Kings of Dinh Bang ward (Tu Son town, Bac Ninh province) is the solemn worshiping – place of Kings of Ly dynasty – the people who founded Thang Long and developed Dai Viet civilization. During 216 years long (1009 – 1225) of the Ly dynasty, there were 9 kings: Ly Thai To, Ly Thai Tong, Ly Thanh Tong, Ly Nhan Tong, Ly Than Tong, Ly Anh tong, Ly Cao Tong, Ly Hue Tong and Ly Chieu Hoang.

The relic complex includes The Royal Tomb of Ly Kings; Do Temple (where worships 8 Ly Kings); and Dragon Temple (where worships the only Lady King – Ly Chieu Hoang).

Among them, Do Temple (aka. “Co Phap Dien” or Temple “Ly Bat De) built in 1030, has an architecture of a castle. The place at that time was considered the convergence of natural spirits and the most beautiful site in Kinh Bac – Bac Ninh.

Today, Do Temple is rebuilt in an area of about 31,250 m2, with over 20 works, including intramural and extramural buildings. The pavilion of Do Temple had been selected to be the image on the banknote of five dong by French Colonial Indochina Bank under French Colonial.

Visitors who come to Do Temple could have opportunity to feel the grandiose structure of the site, as a verse:

“Do temple has a great structure

Thang Long capital is beautiful for its both site and people forever and forever”

Do Temple also had the honour of many visits from Chairman Ho Chi Minh in his life. On his first visit in September 13, 1945, he and the local people burned incense to memorize Ly Kings, especially the first King who found Thang Long in 1010.

To express devotion and gratitude to the Ly Kings, and commemorate the coronation day of King Ly Thai To (March 15, 1009), annually, Do Temple’s festival is held from Lunar 14th to 16th of March by the local people. This is a great festival, that attracts thousands of domestic and foreign tourists.

KINGS OF LY DYNASTY (216 YEARS, FROM 1009 TO 1255)

NATIONAL NAME: DAI VIET, CAPITAL CITY: THANG LONG
  1.  

LY THAI TO (other name of Y CONG UAN)

Reigned in 19 years (1009 – 1028), died at the age of 55 (974 – 1028). Anniversary of death on Lunar 3rd of March.
  1.  

LY THAI TONG (other name of PHAT MA)

Reigned in 26 years (1028 – 1054), died at the age of 55 (1000 – 1054). Anniversary of death on Lunar 1st of November.
  1.  

LY THANH TONG (other name of NHAT TONG)

Reigned in 18 years (1054 - 1072), died at the age of 55 (1023 – 1072). Anniversary of death on Lunar 8th of August.
  1.  

LY NHAN TONG (other name of CAN DUC)

Reigned in 56 years (1072 - 1128), died at the age of 62 (1066 – 1128). Anniversary of death on Lunar 15th of July.
  1.  

LY THAN TONG (other name of DUONG HOAN)

Reigned in 10 years (1128 - 1138), died at the age of 23 (1116 – 1138). Anniversary of death on Lunar 26th of September.
  1.  

LY ANH TONG (other name of THIEN TO)

Reigned in 37 years (1138 - 1175), died at the age of 40 (1136 – 1175). Anniversary of death on Lunar 5th of July.
  1.  

LY CAO TONG (other name of LONG TRAT)

Reigned in 35 years (1175 – 1210), died at the age of 38 (1173 - 1210). Anniversary of death on Lunar 28th of October.
  1.  

LY HUE TONG (other name of HAO SAM)

Reigned in 14 years (1210 - 1224), died at the age of 33 (1194 - 1226). Anniversary of death on Lunar 20th of December.
  1.  

LY CHIEU HOANG (other name of PHAT KIM)

Reigned in 2 years (1224 - 1225), died at the age of 264 (1217 - 1278). Anniversary of death on Lunar 23rd of December

Be worshiped in Dragon Temple.